§ 8. Mr. Vaughan-Morganasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what extra allowance is being given to ambassadors and Ministers abroad to meet the 7 expense of the additional entertainment necessary in view of the celebration of the Coronation.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Anthony Nutting)No extra general allowances are being given to Her Majesty's ambassadors and Ministers abroad to meet expenses in connection with the celebration of the Coronation. But where the circumstances are exceptional some assistance will be granted on a modest scale.
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganWould my hon. Friend consider giving a fairly generous grant particularly in the case of small States where the salaries and expenses are low, and where it is desired, by the Ministers in particular, to give some appropriate expression of recognition of the Coronation?
§ Mr. NuttingSeven heads of missions, some of them in small States, have already received extra allowances, and there is a vote for £10,000 on the Foreign Service Estimates for 1953, mainly designed to help non-career consular officers who have no provision in their emoluments for representational expenditure.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIs there not a special allowance for Her Majesty's Ambassador in Moscow in order that Soviet citizens will be able to propose the health of Her Majesty in vodka?
§ Mr. NuttingHer Majesty's Ambassador in Moscow, I am advised, is not on the list of those who so far have received extra assistance.
§ Sir H. WilliamsIs it the case that the British Ambassador in Moscow receives £49,500 a year frais de représentation, and has to have such a large sum because the rate of exchange is "phoney"?
§ Mr. NuttingThat is perfectly correct.